On Thursday, March 20, the Ukrainian national team defeated the Belgian team with a score of 3:1 in the first match of the playoffs of the Nations League for the right to play in Division "A" of this tournament next season. We present to you the post-match press conference of the head coach of the Ukrainian national team, Sergey Rebrov.
Sergey Rebrov. Photo — UAF— What did you tell Gutsulyak when you brought him on as a substitute?
— I know Alexey very well. He didn’t need anything special to be told. I saw during the training process that he was motivated and ready for the game, that's why he went onto the field. In the episode that led to the goal, Alexey went into the tackle very aggressively and took the ball. This goal was very important for us, a turning point, and it greatly helped the team.
— How do you explain what happened in the second half?
— As for our team, we increased our desire, played high pressing, made some adjustments to our game. But this confrontation consists of two matches. What we tried to do after the break worked. And I am really very pleased that the guys gained confidence after the first match with Belgium.
— How would you rate the support of the fans, even though they filled the stadium only a quarter?
— Well, not a quarter, but a third, if you can count: there were 10 thousand fans, and the stadium holds 30 thousand.
I am very grateful to all the fans who came to the stadium today. They supported the team excellently, and thanks to them we turned the course of the game in the second half. I think everyone heard how the fans supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine and our national team today.
— How serious are the injuries to Syach and Konoplya? Will they be able to play in the return match?
— We all hope for the best. But I saw that Syach has a serious injury. He is very upset. We will do everything we can to get the guys back. The return match is very important. I hope we can count on all our players in it.
— If the situation with Konoplya and Syach turns out to be serious, will another wingback be called up to the national team?
— I would gladly do that, but unfortunately we do not have such an opportunity right now: we cannot arrange documents for leaving Ukraine, as there are only two days left until the return match. I think we will have enough players even if we cannot use Syach and Konoplya. But we hope that everything will be alright with them.
Alexander POPOV
